Security agencies have been placed on high alert following reports that a large number of armed Fulani herder bandits have arrived and set up camps in the valley between Ogbaulu Atakpa in Agatu and Akpete in Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State.
Sources told Zagazola that personnel of the Nigerian Police, Civilian JTF, and other tactical teams have been proactively deployed to the affected areas to forestall possible attacks on surrounding communities.
Authorities said monitoring and surveillance have been intensified to ensure the safety of residents and prevent any disruption to local activities.
The sources urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies. Further developments are expected as operations continue in the area.
Meanwhile, gunmen have abducted two residents in Ora-Igbomina, an Osun State community bordering Kwara State.
According to Punch, the assailants stormed a private residence along Aran-Orin Road, Papa area of the town on Sunday night.
The incident occurred during a brief lull in police patrol activity due to heavy rainfall, a development the Osun State Police Command has acknowledged.
Residents said the attackers struck swiftly, firing gunshots to scare people away before dragging their victims into nearby bush paths.
A resident, identified simply as Mulikat, recounted the night’s events.
She said, “We heard gunshots around 11:30pm. The abductors went into a house along Aran Orin road and picked up the two men. Some men ran after the perpetrators but they could not follow them into the bush. The abductors are suspected bandits.”
According to residents, the gunmen appeared familiar with the terrain, exploiting the darkness and bush paths that link Osun and Kwara communities to escape unhindered.
